Our Blog

When you’re caring for a loved one, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. As a caregiver, you’re the “healthy one,” which can lead you—and those around you—to take your health for granted. But caregiver overload is a serious concern, with very real repercussions. It’s important to recognize the signs and take the steps you need to stay healthy. Be on the lookout for the following red flags, which can clue you into the fact that it may be time to slow down or ask for some help. Isolation We all have days when we’re too tired to…

While opportunities abound during senior years, so do health concerns. Chief among those for many people are concerns related to cardiac health. Read on to learn about some nutrients and foods that will help keep your ticker in tip-top shape. If it seems daunting to keep up with dietary guidelines for heart health, remember that one of the many benefits provided in a senior living community is the preparation of meals crafted with residents’ health in mind. Foods Rich in Potassium Foods to Eat: Bananas, Prunes, Potatoes with Skin If you look at what’s included in just about any multivitamin,…

You’ve assumed the role of primary caregiver for your senior parent. Over time, you’ve come to realize that life as a caregiver is a full-time job with as many rewards as responsibilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • More than 34 million unpaid caregivers provide care to someone age 18 and older who is ill or has a disability. • Caregivers report having difficulty finding time for one’s self (35 percent), managing emotional and physical stress (29 percent), and balancing work and family responsibilities (29  percent). • Caregivers said they do not go to the doctor because…

Finding the right senior community for your parent is a major responsibility that requires considerable effort and time. Added to the challenge of identifying the ideal community is the combination of emotions and concerns related to the search. Thanks to an ever-increasing number of options, the search for the right residence is not as insurmountable as it may appear to be. To help you with this crucial task, here are seven important questions to ask when vetting senior communities. 1. What are your parent’s needs? Before approaching a community, you and your parent should determine which living options and level…

As a senior over the age of 65, a fall can mean serious injury, which sometimes lasts for the rest of the individual’s life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falling can cause head injury and hip fractures that prevent normal mobility, and can even lead to early death. In 2013, 734,000 seniors were hospitalized due to falls, which are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among the elderly. Considering this, it is crucial to minimize the chances of falls occurring. Even if it does happen, it is possible to lessen the severity of resulting…

Children who have taken music lessons enjoy a “profound” and lasting impact to the brain according to neuropsychologist Brenda Hanna­-Pladdy of Emory University in Atlanta. Pladdy continued her thought by explaining that children who have musical training created additional neural connections during childhood that can “last a lifetime and help compensate for cognitive declines later on in life.” Music is Brain Food More than 15 years ago, Harvard neurologist Gottfried Schlaug reported that the brains of adult professional musicians had more gray matter in their brains than those of non-musicians. Alison Balbag, a professional harpist who began musical training at the age…

Your mother may view moving into a senior community with trepidation. Although it’s natural to fear such a major change, odds are that this milestone will be a positive experience – especially since you will be involved. Here are ways you can help your mother make the transition before and after the move.

Need proof that physical fitness has no age limit? Consider the story of Harriette Thompson, a Southerner who’s conquered a slew of marathons. The tenacious nonagenerian set a record in 2014 at the Rock ’n’ Roll San Diego marathon She was the fastest competitor in the 90-94 age group. Of course, there are plenty of seniors who aren’t able to pound the pavement for 26.2 miles. However, millions of older adults can engage in some level of physical activity. And those who do exercise reap a multitude of rewards.